Preparation of a novel γ-FeOOH-GAC nano composite for decolorization of textile wastewater by photo Fenton-like process in a continuous reactor

Abstract

For the first time, lepidocrocite-granular activated carbon (γ-FeOOH-GAC) nano composite was prepared and characterized. The prepared composite was used in the decolorization of textile wastewater containing reactive orange 29 by photo Fenton-like process in a continuous reactor. The influence of wastewater flow rate, H2O2 concentration and pH in decolorization process was studied using response surface methodology. The optimum conditions were flow rate of 1.98mLmin−1, H2O2 concentration of 3.25mM and pH of 1.98. The decolorization ability of γ-FeOOH-GAC/H2O2/UV process was compared with that of γ-FeOOH-GAC/UV, γ-FeOOH-GAC/H2O2, γ-FeOOH-GAC, H2O2/UV, and UV processes at the optimum conditions. The obtained results indicated that γ-FeOOH-GAC/H2O2/UV process was more effective than other processes in the decolorization of the wastewater.